John Deere tractors take care of the turf at Newmarket racing 
(13/02/2008)
Delivering increased output to power high capacity mowing and turf renovation equipment, two new John Deere 5720 tractors will be thundering up the hallowed turf at Newmarket racing’s ‘headquarters’, this year.
Installed on the Rowley Mile and July courses as part of an official supplier agreement with Newmarket’s owners, Jockey Club Racecourses, the tractors are spearheading a programme to make best use of the grounds men’s time while producing an improved finish to the turf.
Director of Racing Michael Prosser explains: "At 80hp, the 5720s have replaced smaller tractors which were at the limit of their capacity with our mowing equipment. We run a 14ft Caroni and both 12ft and 15ft Votex rotary mowers, mounted on the front linkage, which are required to cut 28 hectares of racing surface up to three times in eight days at the peak of the season."
The mowers are teamed with blowers at the rear to clear away clippings, providing a top quality finish, as the tractor tyres do not run over the sward before it is cut. One of only two such machines used on racecourses in the UK, the Caroni is a design that Michael is particularly keen on.
"The decks articulate which is essential for a clean cut on our undulating surface, and teamed with a powerful tractor it is an ideal solution for the racecourse, giving an excellent finish at high work rates," he points out.
A grass harrow is regularly used to pull out any thatch and encourage the sward to stand up, and the tractors will also be required to operate a slitter and an aerator to keep the turf in the pristine condition required by that most blue blooded of athletes, the thoroughbred racehorse.
Towing muscle will also be provided by the tractors not only for routine trailer work, but also for placing a 16-bay set of starting stalls at the required position for each race. "Newmarket has its own starting stalls and we need to move them around the course without damaging the turf, so the 5720s will have a high profile role on race days," adds Michael.
The Rowley Mile is used for spring and autumn meetings, including the Classic 1000 and 2000 Guineas races for the country’s top three year-old fillies and colts, while the July course, as its name implies, hosts mid-summer racing, with popular evening meetings as well as the high-powered July Cup festival, and the 5720s will be regularly seen on televised coverage.
Input for the final tractor specifications came from the grounds staff, and Michael comments that the large, air conditioned cab is particularly appreciated. "A racecourse grounds man is out in all weathers, all year round, so a good cab is essential. The extra height of the cab improves visibility, which is a great help when mowing close to the running rail legs, and to ensure accurate passes with the mowers and the grass harrow," he says.
Newmarket’s grounds men have received full induction training on the tractors from local dealer Ben Burgess, and Michael says that the company’s prompt delivery of the tractors and the level of service provided has been very impressive so far.
"Although we have our own workshops and carry out basic maintenance ourselves, good service and parts back-up for racecourse tractors is essential. Ben Burgess also helped us to source some low ground pressure tyres, which were chosen after discussions with a local turf grower. The soil at Newmarket drains very well, but wide tyres are important to avoid marking the turf."
Looking to the future, Michael says that the tractors’ generous capacity for the workload involved should ensure a longer lifespan. "I would expect these tractors to last at least ten years," he says. "They also provide the opportunity to upgrade the implements that we currently use and further optimise our management of the track. They will make a significant contribution to the maintenance of Newmarket racecourse."
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